Three Little Words by Susan Mallery

August 29th, 2013 Kimberly Review 86 Comments

29th Aug
Three Little Words by Susan Mallery
Three Little Words
by Susan Mallery
Series: Fool's Gold #12
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Tour
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

Can first love turn into the real deal in a sizzling new Fool's Gold story from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery? Isabel Carlisle thinks she's cursed in the romance department. Her teenage crush, Ford Hendrix, ignored all her letters. Her husband left her for another...man. So Isabel has come home to dust off her passion for fashion and run the family bridal shop until her parents are ready to sell it. Then she'll pursue her real dreams. At least, that's the plan, until sexy, charming Ford returns and leaves her feeling fourteen all over again.... Seeing Isabel all grown up hits bodyguard trainer Ford like a sucker punch. Back when heartbreak made him join the military, her sweet letters kept him sane. Now he can't take his eyes-or his lips-off her. The man who gave up on love has a reason to stay in Fool's Gold forever-if three little words can convince Isabel to do the same...

Today I am excited to be a part of the BookTrib tour for Three Little Words by Susan Mallery. Grab a cup of mocha coffee, sit back and enjoy my review of this sweet and romantic contemporary romance and then enter to win an awesome Bridal Kit filled with lots of wonderful beauty products and a copy of Three Little Words!

I was a little apprehensive going into Three Little Words by Susan Mallery as it is the twelfth book in a series, but just as promised this delightful romance worked perfectly as a standalone. Three-word review: small-town, charming, and romantic.

Isabel Carlisle hasn’t had much luck when it comes to romance. As a teen, she had a huge crush on Ford Hendrix her sister’s boyfriend. When he joined the military she wrote him letters and he never once responded. Now her husband has left her for another man! I mean how sad is that? So Isabel once again finds herself back in her hometown and handling the affairs at her parent’s bridal shop. She plans out her life as she works when suddenly her plans are turned upside down. Ford is back in town and sexier than ever and Isabel is feeling fourteen and awkward again. The tale that unfolds is sweet, hot and oh so romantic as they tango!

Ah, how so many of us will be able to relate to Isabel, especially as a teen. She was awkward, shy, a little chubby and madly in love with her sister’s beau. She is down to earth, has a witty personality and you just identify with her and want her to get her HEA. Ford is smexy, a military man; some may say a ladies’ man and he is a little nervous about returning home. I loved the banter between these two, while there is a physical attraction this was a friendship to romance courtship. We meet other characters, deal with Ford’s marriage-minded mama and sink into the small town charm.

I adore pretending relationship troupes and Mallery made this convincing. The sparks, banter, and personalities of the characters allowed me to slip right into the tale. I laughed, grinned, and giggled my way through this. Isabel was truly delightful, I do however wish Mallery peeled back Ford’s layers a little more but as a couple, they felt genuine. Seeing them work out issues, have personal growth and form a bond was deliciously romantic. I enjoyed this so much, that I picked up Chasing Perfect the first book in the series, I want to meet all of the characters in Fool’s Gold, California.

Fans of small-town romances will enjoy Three Little Words and this delightful couple.

Sponsored Bridal-kit Giveaway Us Only

Book Trib is giving away a fabulous prize pack! Prizes include:
The Susan Mallery Foolproof Bridal Kit includes:

Bridal kit

  • A wedding-themed bottle of OPI nail polish
  • Not Your Mother’s® Rise & Shine™ Silky Smooth Shine Mist
  • Manicure set (includes emery board, small and large nail clippers, tweezers, cuticle stick and nail polish remover pad)
  • Heart-shaped compact mirror
  • 12-piece E.L.F. eye shadow kit
  • Travel makeup brush set
  • Makeup remover wipes
  • Lip gloss
  • Travel sewing kit
  • Kleenex®
  • Secret® deodorant
  • Razor and Gillette® Shave Gel
  • Nivea Creme
  • Wisps toothbrushes
  • TRESemmé® hairspray
  • Copy of Three Little Words
Photo of kimbacaffeinate
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

86 Responses to “Three Little Words by Susan Mallery”

  1. Kimberly

    I wish I could enter the giveaway but good luck to those who enter. I’ve got the first book of the series on my tbr list after seeing her books around for years. I’ve heard they remind people of the Virgin River series which I love. Great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh, yes I am a huge fan of the VR series and yep, this reminded me of those!

  2. Leanna

    Even though I love reading romance books I generally do not like romsntic over the top things. I hste it ehen guys write poetry or sin/play guitors for thrir eomen.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was a feel good read, and perfect for a lazy afternoon 🙂 thanks Libby!

  3. Belle Read

    This sounds like a series that I would enjoy. I love when you can jump in to a book within a series without having to read the previous installments. The only drawback to that can be some repetitiveness while the author catches us up for fans who have read the others in the series.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      No, I think each book here is about one couple, and you meet others, you just don’t know them as well.

  4. Corinne

    Yes, I am very much a romantic!

    sassychassy333 at gmail dot com

  5. Brooke B.

    I’m definitely a romantic when it comes to books. In real life though, my boyfriend and I are romantic in weird, uncommon little ways, like he will get up and shut the alarm off for me…that’s romantic to me lol.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      oh Brooke I agree, some of the littlest gestures are the most romantic.

  6. Chelsea K.

    I like to think that I am a bit of a romantic but I am not sure since I do not have much real life experience in relationships. Congrats on the new book, this seems like a great series!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Chelsea, experience will come, and I like to think we all have some degree of “romantic tendencies” living within each of us.

  7. Jess

    Susan Mallery is one author I’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t. Your review sold me and I’ve bought the book. I can’t wait to read it. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Enjoy Jess, I would love to hear your thoughts when you are done 🙂

  8. Adriana

    I get a little nervous when the love interest is described as sexy. I don’t know why just some bad experiences with NA books. But, this one looks sweet. It also helps that they start out friends. I”m also really curious if he kept the letters or it helped him or what because that would be completely adorable <3
    I think this is a series me, my mom, and aunts will enjoy. They especially oerly romantic stories but I'm a sucker for them also (; Lovely review.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      No worries, this is so not like NA and borders on clean adult.

  9. Maida

    I have heard so much about this series and honestly the only reason I’m not picking it up yet is cause there are so many books in the series. I don’t mind that, but I just know that if I even remotely enjoy the first book I am going to purchase all the other books in the series right away (I just don’t like reading books out of a series even if they can be read as a standalone.!) But I love the sound of the characters here, and I love that its a love story. It really does sound fun and enjoyable! Glad you also enjoyed this Kim! Lovely review! 😀

    ~ Maida
    Literary Love Affair 

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Maida, I was delighted each of these work as a standalone, but like you prefer to read them in order 🙂

  10. Lorelei

    Yes! I’m a true romantic. Thanks for the review and the chance to win! Susan Mallery is a favorite and her Fools Gold series is great!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      You are very welcome Lorelei. Have a wonderful weekend 🙂

  11. Sharon - Obsession with Books

    I adore small town romance stories and this sounds wonderful! To be honest I tend to be put off by long series so I’m pleased to see this can be read as a stand alone.

    A fabulous review Kimba!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I love when books can be read as a standalone too! Thanks Sharon 🙂

  12. Angela C.

    Great review! I’m glad you liked it. (: I look forward to reading it!

    I am definitely a romantic. A hopeless one at that.

  13. Braine Talk Supe

    Yes, unfortunately I am a hopeless romantic and sometimes that’s the reason why I get in trouble. My expectations are this high and I know it’s ridiculous sometimes. What can I do? I’ve met a lot of perfect men in books real guys can’t live up to them.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Don’t give up, when the right one comes along your romantic side will think his flaws are sweet 🙂

  14. Jackie

    I am TOO MUCH OF A ROMANTIC! I fall in love so easily! It can be a problem, but at the same time, it will be perfect for when I find my soulmate! 🙂 Susan Mallery is fabulous 🙂

  15. Christy

    You know the three little words that immediately come to my mind are not nice ones. lol. This sounds super cute, and I’m always drawn more to a CA setting.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am never drinking coffee again when reading your comments..you are so funny and snarky lately…why kind of meds do they have you on? hehehe 🙂

  16. Lark

    Good review, Kimba! I’m glad you enjoyed this one, and I think you’ll like the series (not that I’ve read that many of them yet, myself!) We’re on the same page regarding Ford; I wish Mallery had explored the depth that she hinted at — especially vis-a-vis how his war experience affected him. But it is an enjoyable tale anyway, and Isabel is a heroine I can relate to!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I will always want the back-story and the layers peeled ..LOL bit yes Isabel was wonderful and so real.

  17. Candace

    You know, I thought I was suppose to be part of this tour but I never did hear back or receive my book. Oh well. I’m glad you enjoyed it, it sounds really lovely! I love small town stories!

    And yes, I’m a romantic! At least when it comes to my stories. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Aww, wonder what happened 🙁 I adore small town romances too 🙂

  18. Carolyn Valdez

    I am very much a romantic. I also love to read all kinds of romance stories.

  19. Em Ma

    I’m definitely a romantic. So hoping to win this wonderful prize for my romance filled wedding this fall.

  20. Sarah

    Finally, I can see your blog again! I switched over to a “Firefox” app and voila!

    The thing I like about Susan Mallery is you can start in the middle of her books and you wouldn’t know it. This book sound great! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway.

    Sarah @ Kitties Like Books Too

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I like that in a series, especially this type. Thanks again for letting me know, you have no idea how much I appreciate that.

  21. Tanja

    I haven’t heard of this book but it sounds like a sweet read to me. Even too sweet for my taste but still we all need that kind of book from time to time. Once when I get overwhelmed with my classes I might enjoy this one 🙂 Great review 🙂

  22. Jessica R

    I am a romantic. <3
    We just celebrated our 12 year anniversary… he did well 😉

  23. Gayle

    I love Romantic reads. Just as long as they’re not too gushy. What woman wouldn’t like a little romance.? Thanks for the giveaway. Very generous.

  24. Andrea

    I’m so glad you liked this too! It’s amazing that one can jump into such a long series and not miss a beat. I really adored Ford’s humor and the relationship between him and Isabel.
    Great review!

  25. Jenea

    I like the ones with the pretend relationships, and the bond that follows. Glad you enjoyed it, great review.

  26. Nick

    I have read one book by her and I remember enjoying it very much. I love romances where the heroine has a crush on the guy since a long time, but the crush only develops into a romantic relationship after a long time. I can tell I’m going to enjoy the romance between these two, especially since they seem to have great banter as well.
    Also, the main character sounds very relatable and loving. And I love a good military man too! They are very attractive.
    I’ll be sure to check this one out, Kim!
    Fantastic review! 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am such a sucker for military men or any man in uniform, hehehe!

  27. gaele

    I am a horrid romantic sentimentalist. But surprisingly logical and far less sentimental in the real world.
    Shared, shared and shared 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I consider myself practical in the real world, and a hopeless romantic when submersed in my novels!

  28. kindlemom1

    I have loved every book by her I have read but I know what you mean about series with a huge book list, sometimes they lose something over time and just aren’t as good as you would like them to be. I am so glad this isn’t one of those series and I do love how they all can be read as a stand alone, I think that really helps.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I agree Ali, it keeps things fresh when they work that way, and this was sweet.

  29. Debbie Haupt

    Great review as always Kimba, I too hate coming into a series anywhere but the beginning but as an avid fan of Susan’s I can also say that all of the books in the series could be read on their own.
    fingers crossed on winning
    deb

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I have read other books/series by her, so I am glad it worked as a standalone